“There’s an interesting article about how the Blue Dog Democrats are looking to rebrand themselves in order to expand their influence in American government. In Washington-speak, this means trying to fool more Americans into supporting neoliberalism, and increasing the influence of corporations by cutting away labor rights, and supporting privatization of government services.

The Blue Dog Research Forum — the K Street outpost run by former Congressman-turned-lobbyist Bud Cramer (D-Ala.) — is renaming itself Center Forward, and spending nearly $1 million from corporations and individuals on a TV advertisement urging Congress to balance the budget.

Cramer has briefed House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) — who is often aligned with centrist Democrats — on his plans. Former Republican Rep. Mike Castle of Delaware is also involved. Erskine Bowles is also supportive of the group’s mission.

The shift for the research forum comes at a time when the Blue Dog brand is wearing. There are just 24 Blue Dogs left in Congress, roughly half as many as there were in 2010. And the group is losing leaders like Reps. Dan Boren (Oklahoma), Mike Ross (Arkansas) and Heath Shuler (North Carolina) to retirement. Rep. Joe Donnelly of Indiana is also leaving the House, in his quest for a Senate seat. Several other members have tough races in November.

I think the bigger point here is that Michael Castle still sucks. The phony baloney centrism is laid bare by this Blue Dog Dem outfit that he has signed up with. It is about getting more tax breaks to corporations. Period.

The Right

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